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Of Venom and Vengeance
Not yet published
Expected 7 Jul 26Prepare for a deliciously dark standalone, set in the same world as Of Flame and Fury, where star-crossed enemies gamble with their hearts, their empires, and the fate of a lost god.
On an island ruled by pageantry and pain, power comes at an impossible price.
Inna is the perfect heiress to the Pallo crime family: poised, cunning, untouchable. Behind this glamorous facade, she hunts for the sinister truth behind her older sister's death. Despite the cover-up she’s been led to believe, Inna can feel an enemy lurking in the shadows, or perhaps even hiding in plain sight.
Rylan has sculpted himself into a talented thief. His heart may be guarded, but his purpose is clear: retribution for his family, murdered by Inna's mother. Armed with illusion magic, Rylan plans to steal an ancient riddle from the Pallo vault, one that leads to a sleeping god. Whoever wakes the Serpent King will be granted any wish they desire. Rylan means to claim this power, and with it, Inna's ruin.
But when Inna catches Rylan sneaking past her family’s security, he proposes a deadly alliance that each desperately needs but neither intends to keep – even as bitter attraction threatens to unravel into something more.
On an island ruled by pageantry and pain, power comes at an impossible price.
Inna is the perfect heiress to the Pallo crime family: poised, cunning, untouchable. Behind this glamorous facade, she hunts for the sinister truth behind her older sister's death. Despite the cover-up she’s been led to believe, Inna can feel an enemy lurking in the shadows, or perhaps even hiding in plain sight.
Rylan has sculpted himself into a talented thief. His heart may be guarded, but his purpose is clear: retribution for his family, murdered by Inna's mother. Armed with illusion magic, Rylan plans to steal an ancient riddle from the Pallo vault, one that leads to a sleeping god. Whoever wakes the Serpent King will be granted any wish they desire. Rylan means to claim this power, and with it, Inna's ruin.
But when Inna catches Rylan sneaking past her family’s security, he proposes a deadly alliance that each desperately needs but neither intends to keep – even as bitter attraction threatens to unravel into something more.
432 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 7, 2026
16 people are currently reading
23367 people want to read
About the author
Mikayla Bridge
2 books396 followersMikayla Bridge is a young adult fantasy author living in Melbourne, Australia. She grew up on a small-town farm and completed a BA with honours in political science and international relations. She loves writing books that feel like a triple espresso: high-energy, heart-racing, and might ruin your sleep schedule.
You can find her on instagram at @mikayla_bridge.
You can find her on instagram at @mikayla_bridge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Want to Read
March 18, 2026Thank you so much to the editor for reaching out with an ARC 💚🖤 excited to read this!! Once I get caught up on arcs 😅
coming-back-to
April 5, 2026°˖✿˚⋆I received this arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review⋆˚✿˖°
♡pre-read♡
I LOVED Of Flame and Fury and I am so grateful to have gotten an arc for Of Venom and Vengeance. I cannot WAIT to get back into this world.
°˖✿˚⋆Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc°˖✿˚⋆
February 9, 2026
This felt a bit long-winded, with a predictable plot and pretty bland characters. The romance was rushed, which didn’t really work for me. I did like the world, but I wish we’d gotten more out of it. Compared to the first book in the series, this one was a bit of a letdown. 2.75 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2026
Thank you to the author for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
Although this story takes place in the same world as Of Flame and Fury, it’s set in a different time and location and truly works well as a stand-alone. Some prior events are lightly referenced but never confusing.
The worldbuilding around the creatures and magic was engaging, and there are multiple villains within the story. By the end, I was still trying to decide whether the humans or the gods were the bigger threat.
That said, the ending is a true cliffhanger, and I’m hoping this isn’t the last we see of these characters.
Although this story takes place in the same world as Of Flame and Fury, it’s set in a different time and location and truly works well as a stand-alone. Some prior events are lightly referenced but never confusing.
The worldbuilding around the creatures and magic was engaging, and there are multiple villains within the story. By the end, I was still trying to decide whether the humans or the gods were the bigger threat.
That said, the ending is a true cliffhanger, and I’m hoping this isn’t the last we see of these characters.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am of a very small group of people who enjoyed the previous book (in the same universe), so I am very happy that NetGalley and the publishr allowed me another dive into this world.
On a different continent we have a city with a mafia like family who collect sprites, harvest their powers, use the powers for self or for pleasure in their gambing clubs. Run by the protagonist's mother and brother (uncle), they are feared by all. The only person she can trust is her bodyguard (who she has known from childhood and squashed a relationship with). Her elder sister was killed in kidnapping they both were involved in and she suspects there is something wrong with how it went down and that her family is withholding information.
The love interest is a living heir of a family that the mother killed long ago. Swearing revenge, and with power from the sprites, he has returned to the city and will discover the vault in which keeps his family's journal, the one that holds mysterious information about the Serpent King. Legend says he grants a wish for a price.
The author pitched this as 50's Vegas story with a slow burn romance between a thief and a heiress. I loved their romance and how it didn't seem forced. They learned to work together to get the things they wanted. There was danger, mystery, adventure, and death.
The reason I didn't give it a full 5 stars is how the world building is still a little vague on how it computers exist alongside such fantasy elements. But it doesn't really detract from the story.
All in all, I really liked this and I wouldn't mind seeing them again in another story or as supporting characters with the phoenix racer plot.
On a different continent we have a city with a mafia like family who collect sprites, harvest their powers, use the powers for self or for pleasure in their gambing clubs. Run by the protagonist's mother and brother (uncle), they are feared by all. The only person she can trust is her bodyguard (who she has known from childhood and squashed a relationship with). Her elder sister was killed in kidnapping they both were involved in and she suspects there is something wrong with how it went down and that her family is withholding information.
The love interest is a living heir of a family that the mother killed long ago. Swearing revenge, and with power from the sprites, he has returned to the city and will discover the vault in which keeps his family's journal, the one that holds mysterious information about the Serpent King. Legend says he grants a wish for a price.
The author pitched this as 50's Vegas story with a slow burn romance between a thief and a heiress. I loved their romance and how it didn't seem forced. They learned to work together to get the things they wanted. There was danger, mystery, adventure, and death.
The reason I didn't give it a full 5 stars is how the world building is still a little vague on how it computers exist alongside such fantasy elements. But it doesn't really detract from the story.
All in all, I really liked this and I wouldn't mind seeing them again in another story or as supporting characters with the phoenix racer plot.
April 23, 2026
I was so excited to see another book in this world that when the publisher sent me an email I was like immediately yes.
this is 100% a me problem. I didn’t realize it was a standalone in the same work. I was expecting it to be book 2. So I was disappointed but again that’s 100% on me.
This however didn’t hit the way Of Flame and Fury did. I didn’t feel connect or feel as interested in the characters as I wanted to. Especially how I felt ending book one. But maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for it for now I would say it’s a 3 star read. It was bad but it didn’t feel like the right book for me.
That being said I will 100000000% be continuing the series because I love the way Mikayla writes and I love this world.
Thank you Macmillan and NetGalley for the ebook.
this is 100% a me problem. I didn’t realize it was a standalone in the same work. I was expecting it to be book 2. So I was disappointed but again that’s 100% on me.
This however didn’t hit the way Of Flame and Fury did. I didn’t feel connect or feel as interested in the characters as I wanted to. Especially how I felt ending book one. But maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for it for now I would say it’s a 3 star read. It was bad but it didn’t feel like the right book for me.
That being said I will 100000000% be continuing the series because I love the way Mikayla writes and I love this world.
Thank you Macmillan and NetGalley for the ebook.
March 2, 2026
Of Venom and Vengeance – Mikayla Bridge
Crime family heiress. Illusion-wielding thief. A sleeping serpent god.
This one hisses.
Inna Pallo looks polished and untouchable — but beneath the glamour, she’s unraveling a lie that cost her sister’s life. Rylan is hunting revenge for a family she can never give back. And when their paths collide over an ancient riddle tied to a slumbering god… destruction feels inevitable.
The tension? Immediate. Volatile. Dangerous.
This isn’t soft romance. It’s two wounded people circling each other with knives behind their backs and desire in their eyes. Everyone is morally gray. Everyone has blood on their hands. And the magic feels like it could swallow them whole.
Power. Spectacle. Cruelty. Revenge dressed as destiny.
3.75
Crime family heiress. Illusion-wielding thief. A sleeping serpent god.
This one hisses.
Inna Pallo looks polished and untouchable — but beneath the glamour, she’s unraveling a lie that cost her sister’s life. Rylan is hunting revenge for a family she can never give back. And when their paths collide over an ancient riddle tied to a slumbering god… destruction feels inevitable.
The tension? Immediate. Volatile. Dangerous.
This isn’t soft romance. It’s two wounded people circling each other with knives behind their backs and desire in their eyes. Everyone is morally gray. Everyone has blood on their hands. And the magic feels like it could swallow them whole.
Power. Spectacle. Cruelty. Revenge dressed as destiny.
3.75
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Look, if you give your thief illusion magic, I'm going to eat it up every time.
Of Venom and Vengeance is a YA romantic fantasy standalone set in the same universe as Of Flame and Fury, but instead of phoenix racing, it's gambling dens, evil crystal fairies, and a Serpent King who might not be a myth. I went into this fairly blind (I apparently didn't read the description before I requested the ARC because I thought it was a sequel to Of Flame and Fury...it is not, and there are no significant crossovers), and I honestly think I enjoyed it a bit more. The worldbuilding could be a bit vague at times - I'm not sure I 100% understand how the sprites could be kept in vials - I really liked it. Elemental magic is taken from sprites, who aren't as harmless as everyone believes them to be. There's also illusion magic, which is always one of my favorites, especially when it belongs to a thief.
Inna is the heiress of a notorious crime family on a desperate search for the truth behind her sister's death. Rylan is a thief bent on breaking into the Pallo family vault so he can find the Serpent King and destroy his enemies once and for all. When Inna and Rylan's paths align, it seems they might be able to help each other, but their alliance won't come without a cost. There's plenty of action, intrigue, and mystery. I really enjoyed the mini heist plots scattered throughout; they were unexpected but delightful. I will admit I thought there was a little too much plot armor at times, but I was still on the edge of my seat for most of the book. This is a standalone, and although it does leave the potential for these characters to appear elsewhere, their story is concluded here. The resolution was a bit rushed and convenient, which is why I'm hoping the author chooses to expand their story further, but it's still mostly satisfying. Also, I think the plot twists were much more foreshadowed than they were in Of Flame and Fury. I liked that I was able to call them, but if you're the kind of person who likes to be completely thrown off by twists, you might not enjoy this one as much.
Thief x Wealthy Heiress will always be one of the most entertaining pairings. Inna is a wealthy heiress to a crime family, so she's become a bit jaded over the years...but that won't stop her from fighting to find the truth about her sister. I thought she was neat, although her obliviousness did get on my nerves on occasion. She's tough but still finds space to be kind, and I appreciated the mystery aspect of her subplot. Rylan was always going to be a favorite because, as I've said, thieves with illusion magic are peak character design. He's the perfect blend of sarcastic and stubborn with a depressing backstory. Their romance felt well-developed and natural for the most part (I say for the most part because there's one scene that made me mad), and I enjoyed the tension between them. I didn't care much for Celesse, Inna's former lover, just because she third-wheeled a little too hard. She's morally grey - as most of these characters are - and I think I'd appreciate her more on a reread. The antagonists were fine; I didn't find any of them particularly malicious, but still enjoyed the conflict they created. Inna and Rylan's banter was really what made this book even more fun to read.
Of Venom and Vengeance is a YA romantic fantasy standalone that mixes the vibes of Amanda Foody's Ace of Shades with the character dynamics of Chloe Gong's These Violent Delights.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
4.25/5
Of Venom and Vengeance is a YA romantic fantasy standalone set in the same universe as Of Flame and Fury, but instead of phoenix racing, it's gambling dens, evil crystal fairies, and a Serpent King who might not be a myth. I went into this fairly blind (I apparently didn't read the description before I requested the ARC because I thought it was a sequel to Of Flame and Fury...it is not, and there are no significant crossovers), and I honestly think I enjoyed it a bit more. The worldbuilding could be a bit vague at times - I'm not sure I 100% understand how the sprites could be kept in vials - I really liked it. Elemental magic is taken from sprites, who aren't as harmless as everyone believes them to be. There's also illusion magic, which is always one of my favorites, especially when it belongs to a thief.
Inna is the heiress of a notorious crime family on a desperate search for the truth behind her sister's death. Rylan is a thief bent on breaking into the Pallo family vault so he can find the Serpent King and destroy his enemies once and for all. When Inna and Rylan's paths align, it seems they might be able to help each other, but their alliance won't come without a cost. There's plenty of action, intrigue, and mystery. I really enjoyed the mini heist plots scattered throughout; they were unexpected but delightful. I will admit I thought there was a little too much plot armor at times, but I was still on the edge of my seat for most of the book. This is a standalone, and although it does leave the potential for these characters to appear elsewhere, their story is concluded here. The resolution was a bit rushed and convenient, which is why I'm hoping the author chooses to expand their story further, but it's still mostly satisfying. Also, I think the plot twists were much more foreshadowed than they were in Of Flame and Fury. I liked that I was able to call them, but if you're the kind of person who likes to be completely thrown off by twists, you might not enjoy this one as much.
Thief x Wealthy Heiress will always be one of the most entertaining pairings. Inna is a wealthy heiress to a crime family, so she's become a bit jaded over the years...but that won't stop her from fighting to find the truth about her sister. I thought she was neat, although her obliviousness did get on my nerves on occasion. She's tough but still finds space to be kind, and I appreciated the mystery aspect of her subplot. Rylan was always going to be a favorite because, as I've said, thieves with illusion magic are peak character design. He's the perfect blend of sarcastic and stubborn with a depressing backstory. Their romance felt well-developed and natural for the most part (I say for the most part because there's one scene that made me mad), and I enjoyed the tension between them. I didn't care much for Celesse, Inna's former lover, just because she third-wheeled a little too hard. She's morally grey - as most of these characters are - and I think I'd appreciate her more on a reread. The antagonists were fine; I didn't find any of them particularly malicious, but still enjoyed the conflict they created. Inna and Rylan's banter was really what made this book even more fun to read.
Of Venom and Vengeance is a YA romantic fantasy standalone that mixes the vibes of Amanda Foody's Ace of Shades with the character dynamics of Chloe Gong's These Violent Delights.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
4.25/5
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I received an advance copy from Goodreads giveaways.
This is a follow-up to Of Flame and Fury, which I did not read. It definitely stands on its own, without any prior context on the world or events of the first book. I received this copy yesterday and I've already finished it, so that's telling on my enjoyment.
The world-building is exquisitely thought out, from all the little details mentioned about the aspects of every day life and how everyone who lives there is used to it and intertwined in the elements -- the main one being the sprites, in this story. Reading on all the ways sprites existed in the world, or how they were utilized, really helped to bring the story to life and make the society feel lived-in. This is apparent from the very first chapter.
There is a map of the regions, which is always appreciated. Though most of the story takes place in Ascira, looking at the map when the characters traveled helped communicate the differences. Same goes for the little excerpts on sprites and past letters that were sprinkled throughout -- not exactly enough to make the reader know more than the characters, but enough to immerse you into the story and see the world as they do.
The story centers on the action, plot, and environment more than the romance, which I definitely appreciate. The romance doesn't feel forced, but some part of me wishes it went a little more in-depth to accentuate the tension. As it stands, the story is fast-paced, and there's always something to latch on to with every page.
I didn't particularly enjoy how Inna, the female lead, was acting in the first chapter. The story sets her up as this heiress who knows her way around the mission she is doing, who is familiar with the setting and even knows she doesn't need to hide because of it. But her movements are sloppy, and she's annoyed at being called out for it--so much so, that she's in a mood when she arrives back. The rest of the story doesn't feel that way--even though there are times when she is smart and times when she is confused or even naive, you can understand it based on her position and her personality. That's my only comment on that.
The characters are forced to work together initially due to their motives -- one for knowledge, and one for vengeance. For me personally, the reveal of the truth for the former was expected and not a surprise. As for the vengeance...well, it's a romance story so I feel like every reader already foresees how that goes. Other elements in the story are foreshadowed, so you can have ideas for how the story will fold--this is not a story with many plot twists. Even so, it was an enjoyable read and I will be keeping this in my library.
This is a follow-up to Of Flame and Fury, which I did not read. It definitely stands on its own, without any prior context on the world or events of the first book. I received this copy yesterday and I've already finished it, so that's telling on my enjoyment.
The world-building is exquisitely thought out, from all the little details mentioned about the aspects of every day life and how everyone who lives there is used to it and intertwined in the elements -- the main one being the sprites, in this story. Reading on all the ways sprites existed in the world, or how they were utilized, really helped to bring the story to life and make the society feel lived-in. This is apparent from the very first chapter.
There is a map of the regions, which is always appreciated. Though most of the story takes place in Ascira, looking at the map when the characters traveled helped communicate the differences. Same goes for the little excerpts on sprites and past letters that were sprinkled throughout -- not exactly enough to make the reader know more than the characters, but enough to immerse you into the story and see the world as they do.
The story centers on the action, plot, and environment more than the romance, which I definitely appreciate. The romance doesn't feel forced, but some part of me wishes it went a little more in-depth to accentuate the tension. As it stands, the story is fast-paced, and there's always something to latch on to with every page.
I didn't particularly enjoy how Inna, the female lead, was acting in the first chapter. The story sets her up as this heiress who knows her way around the mission she is doing, who is familiar with the setting and even knows she doesn't need to hide because of it. But her movements are sloppy, and she's annoyed at being called out for it--so much so, that she's in a mood when she arrives back. The rest of the story doesn't feel that way--even though there are times when she is smart and times when she is confused or even naive, you can understand it based on her position and her personality. That's my only comment on that.
The characters are forced to work together initially due to their motives -- one for knowledge, and one for vengeance. For me personally, the reveal of the truth for the former was expected and not a surprise. As for the vengeance...well, it's a romance story so I feel like every reader already foresees how that goes. Other elements in the story are foreshadowed, so you can have ideas for how the story will fold--this is not a story with many plot twists. Even so, it was an enjoyable read and I will be keeping this in my library.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Publishing and Mikayla Bridge for the e-ARC in exchange for honest review.
I was SO happy to be back in this world! I read Of Flame and Fury last year and the phoenix racing was amazing! Now, still in the same world, we have Inna Pallo, an heiress to the Pallo crime family. Inna's older sister was killed several years ago after they were both kidnapped. Ever since, Inna has been primed to take over the company. But their family has a secret- the magical sprites that they use for magic? Yeah, they prefer to feed on human blood and can kill humans if hungry enough.
Enter, Rylan, a teenage boy who was orphaned as an infant and who's a descendent of the most famous alchemist. Oh and did I forget to mention that it was Inna's Mom who had Rylan's family killed? Yeahhh....needless to say Rylan is NOT an Inna fan!
So Rylan is desperate to break into the Pallos family vault to get a journal from his alchemist ancestor. The journal is tbe last puzzle piece he needs to complete the map to find the Serpent King, an ancient god who will grant you any wish if you can find him unscathed. Rylan bumps into Inna while first attempting this, though he doesn't immediately recognize her. After she prevents the break-in and follows him home, she reveals who she is and that she too wants to break into the vault in order to find out more about her sister's death, since Inna is sure that her mother knows more than she lets on.
The two form an unlikely partnership, that adds Inna's ex-gf/guard for the Pallo family, Celesse. The 3 work together to formulate a plan to break into the vault and what they find will lead some of them to the Serpent King for more answers!
Okay, without spoiling anything, I LOVED this one! Such a magical and fun read. It reminded me of the Ocean's 11 series if you throw in a little magic. The enemies to lovers was fantastically done. And it's a standalone, which was so well done! I feel like sometimes I'm left wanting more but everything was wrapped up nicely by the end! I also loved the little Easter Eggs relating to Of Flame and Fury! Definitely add this one (and Of Flame and Fury) to your TBR! Comes out July 7th!!
I was SO happy to be back in this world! I read Of Flame and Fury last year and the phoenix racing was amazing! Now, still in the same world, we have Inna Pallo, an heiress to the Pallo crime family. Inna's older sister was killed several years ago after they were both kidnapped. Ever since, Inna has been primed to take over the company. But their family has a secret- the magical sprites that they use for magic? Yeah, they prefer to feed on human blood and can kill humans if hungry enough.
Enter, Rylan, a teenage boy who was orphaned as an infant and who's a descendent of the most famous alchemist. Oh and did I forget to mention that it was Inna's Mom who had Rylan's family killed? Yeahhh....needless to say Rylan is NOT an Inna fan!
So Rylan is desperate to break into the Pallos family vault to get a journal from his alchemist ancestor. The journal is tbe last puzzle piece he needs to complete the map to find the Serpent King, an ancient god who will grant you any wish if you can find him unscathed. Rylan bumps into Inna while first attempting this, though he doesn't immediately recognize her. After she prevents the break-in and follows him home, she reveals who she is and that she too wants to break into the vault in order to find out more about her sister's death, since Inna is sure that her mother knows more than she lets on.
The two form an unlikely partnership, that adds Inna's ex-gf/guard for the Pallo family, Celesse. The 3 work together to formulate a plan to break into the vault and what they find will lead some of them to the Serpent King for more answers!
Okay, without spoiling anything, I LOVED this one! Such a magical and fun read. It reminded me of the Ocean's 11 series if you throw in a little magic. The enemies to lovers was fantastically done. And it's a standalone, which was so well done! I feel like sometimes I'm left wanting more but everything was wrapped up nicely by the end! I also loved the little Easter Eggs relating to Of Flame and Fury! Definitely add this one (and Of Flame and Fury) to your TBR! Comes out July 7th!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Crime family heiress. Illusion wielding thief. Sleeping serpent god. This was dark fantasy with bite.
📚 Of Venom and Vengeance by Mikayla Bridge
Genre: YA romantasy
Vibes: crime dynasties, illusion magic, deadly alliance, revenge plot, forbidden attraction
On an island where power is wrapped in pageantry and pain, Inna Pallo looks like the perfect heir to her family’s empire. Polished. Calculating. Untouchable. But behind the glamour, she is hunting for the truth about her sister’s death.
Rylan has his own mission. His family was murdered by Inna’s mother, and he plans to take everything from her. Starting with an ancient riddle hidden in the Pallo vault. A riddle that leads to a sleeping god who can grant any wish.
Including revenge.
What makes this compelling:
🐍 A morally gray heiress unraveling a family cover up
🎭 A thief with illusion magic and a singular thirst for retribution
🔥 A deadly alliance neither of them intends to honor
👑 Crime family politics steeped in spectacle and cruelty
⚡ High stakes magic tied to a serpent god who should probably stay asleep
The tension between Inna and Rylan is sharp from the start. They circle each other with suspicion and attraction in equal measure. The enemies to something more dynamic works because both of them are operating from wounds, not innocence.
Everyone in this world has blood on their hands in some way. Motivations blur. Loyalties shift. And the question becomes not just who will win, but who will survive their own ambition.
The magic feels dangerous. The romance feels volatile. And the stakes are not just personal, but mythic.
If you love dark fantasy where power comes at a cost and love is tangled in vengeance, this one brings the drama.
💬 Would you wake a lost god if it meant getting exactly what you wanted?
#MikaylaBridge #OfVenomAndVengeance #FSGBooks #YARomantasy #FantasyRomance
📚 Of Venom and Vengeance by Mikayla Bridge
Genre: YA romantasy
Vibes: crime dynasties, illusion magic, deadly alliance, revenge plot, forbidden attraction
On an island where power is wrapped in pageantry and pain, Inna Pallo looks like the perfect heir to her family’s empire. Polished. Calculating. Untouchable. But behind the glamour, she is hunting for the truth about her sister’s death.
Rylan has his own mission. His family was murdered by Inna’s mother, and he plans to take everything from her. Starting with an ancient riddle hidden in the Pallo vault. A riddle that leads to a sleeping god who can grant any wish.
Including revenge.
What makes this compelling:
🐍 A morally gray heiress unraveling a family cover up
🎭 A thief with illusion magic and a singular thirst for retribution
🔥 A deadly alliance neither of them intends to honor
👑 Crime family politics steeped in spectacle and cruelty
⚡ High stakes magic tied to a serpent god who should probably stay asleep
The tension between Inna and Rylan is sharp from the start. They circle each other with suspicion and attraction in equal measure. The enemies to something more dynamic works because both of them are operating from wounds, not innocence.
Everyone in this world has blood on their hands in some way. Motivations blur. Loyalties shift. And the question becomes not just who will win, but who will survive their own ambition.
The magic feels dangerous. The romance feels volatile. And the stakes are not just personal, but mythic.
If you love dark fantasy where power comes at a cost and love is tangled in vengeance, this one brings the drama.
💬 Would you wake a lost god if it meant getting exactly what you wanted?
#MikaylaBridge #OfVenomAndVengeance #FSGBooks #YARomantasy #FantasyRomance
April 1, 2026
I received an ARC of Of Venom and Vengeance through a Goodreads giveaway, and I was honestly really excited going into this because it sounded exactly like my kind of book.
This is a dark romantasy with enemies to lovers, revenge, and a very “this alliance is definitely going to end badly” kind of setup. We follow Inna, a crime family heiress trying to figure out what really happened to her sister, and Rylan, a thief who is set on destroying her family. When he breaks in and she catches him, they end up working together, even though neither of them actually trusts the other.
The tension between them was probably my favorite part. It actually feels like enemies to lovers, not just surface-level conflict. They both have their own motives, and you can feel the constant push and pull of them trying to outmaneuver each other while also being drawn together. It’s messy in the best way.
I also really liked the overall plot with the sleeping god and the wish. It kept the stakes high the entire time, and it added this constant sense that everything could go wrong at any moment. There were definitely points where I didn’t trust anyone, which made it even more fun to read.
The characters are very morally gray, which worked really well for this kind of story. They’re not always likable, but their choices make sense for who they are and what they want, which made everything feel more grounded.
Rating: 4.5 stars
This is a dark romantasy with enemies to lovers, revenge, and a very “this alliance is definitely going to end badly” kind of setup. We follow Inna, a crime family heiress trying to figure out what really happened to her sister, and Rylan, a thief who is set on destroying her family. When he breaks in and she catches him, they end up working together, even though neither of them actually trusts the other.
The tension between them was probably my favorite part. It actually feels like enemies to lovers, not just surface-level conflict. They both have their own motives, and you can feel the constant push and pull of them trying to outmaneuver each other while also being drawn together. It’s messy in the best way.
I also really liked the overall plot with the sleeping god and the wish. It kept the stakes high the entire time, and it added this constant sense that everything could go wrong at any moment. There were definitely points where I didn’t trust anyone, which made it even more fun to read.
The characters are very morally gray, which worked really well for this kind of story. They’re not always likable, but their choices make sense for who they are and what they want, which made everything feel more grounded.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Favorite quote(s):
“She didn't need power, or money, or resources. She needed knowledge.”
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review:
I loved getting back into the world of Of Flame and Fury with this. It was nice to see new islands and places. I especially loved meeting new characters like Inna and Rylan. This book was full of messy family drama, secrets, betrayal, and, of course, magic. Inna was fierce and determined to find the truth about her sister. Rylan wanted answers as well. I loved diving into their stories and pasts as they worked together, even after the chaos of their first meeting. Inna's family was messy, but I thought their work with the sprites and magic in general was interesting to an extent. Rylan had his own magic he was using that I found really fascinating. I loved them growing and bonding. Their banter was great. I did have mixed feelings about Inna's friend Celesse, things got messy between them, but I know she cared about Inna. The last few chapters with Inna and Rylan going after The Serpent King were intense, and I loved every minute of it. Overall, I found this a great story, and the writing was great, too. I do wonder if there will be an epilogue in the final version or another book as the end seemed like something more would happen. Despite this curiosity, I loved this just as much as the other one.
“She didn't need power, or money, or resources. She needed knowledge.”
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review:
I loved getting back into the world of Of Flame and Fury with this. It was nice to see new islands and places. I especially loved meeting new characters like Inna and Rylan. This book was full of messy family drama, secrets, betrayal, and, of course, magic. Inna was fierce and determined to find the truth about her sister. Rylan wanted answers as well. I loved diving into their stories and pasts as they worked together, even after the chaos of their first meeting. Inna's family was messy, but I thought their work with the sprites and magic in general was interesting to an extent. Rylan had his own magic he was using that I found really fascinating. I loved them growing and bonding. Their banter was great. I did have mixed feelings about Inna's friend Celesse, things got messy between them, but I know she cared about Inna. The last few chapters with Inna and Rylan going after The Serpent King were intense, and I loved every minute of it. Overall, I found this a great story, and the writing was great, too. I do wonder if there will be an epilogue in the final version or another book as the end seemed like something more would happen. Despite this curiosity, I loved this just as much as the other one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2026
Mikayla Bridge knows how to write a cliffhanger, that’s for sure - at least with Of Venom and Vengeance I didn’t throw my kindle like with Of Flame and Fury. Thank you to Mikayla Bridge, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, & NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
Of Flame and Fury was one of my top reads of 2025 so I had extremely high expectations for Of Venom and Vengeance, I’m happy to report those expectations were met. Bridge has a way of writing the most relatable characters in incomprehensible scenarios. If you love found family on top of extremely complicated, layered, actual familial relationships - this series is for you.
Now, OVAV is a standalone, so while it takes part in the same universe as OFAF it has its own magic system and rules. We trade in phoenixes and racing for sprites, snakes, and casinos. The reader gets to learn about the various aspects of magic in Ascira as Inna and Rylan’s knowledge of it changes and expands. It’s unique, different, and masked to the public despite how prevalent sprites are in their world. I do wish I could have a sprite friend myself, despite what they are known to do.
5 stars out of 5 stars - I can’t wait to learn more about the other areas of the universe we've yet to experience & hopefully catch up more with some of my favorites in future books.
Of Flame and Fury was one of my top reads of 2025 so I had extremely high expectations for Of Venom and Vengeance, I’m happy to report those expectations were met. Bridge has a way of writing the most relatable characters in incomprehensible scenarios. If you love found family on top of extremely complicated, layered, actual familial relationships - this series is for you.
Now, OVAV is a standalone, so while it takes part in the same universe as OFAF it has its own magic system and rules. We trade in phoenixes and racing for sprites, snakes, and casinos. The reader gets to learn about the various aspects of magic in Ascira as Inna and Rylan’s knowledge of it changes and expands. It’s unique, different, and masked to the public despite how prevalent sprites are in their world. I do wish I could have a sprite friend myself, despite what they are known to do.
5 stars out of 5 stars - I can’t wait to learn more about the other areas of the universe we've yet to experience & hopefully catch up more with some of my favorites in future books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2026
Mikayla Bridge does it again, this companion novel to Of Flame and Fury is a wonderful mix of fantasy with just the right amount of slow burn. While some plot points felt a bit predictable, I enjoyed getting to see as Inna and Rylan put the pieces together. I enjoyed that we got to see as Inna started to see the side of her family and their business that others saw and just integrated they were in the politics of Ascira and the truth of just how far they’re willing to go to protect the power they’ve claimed. Rylan’s arc was a pleasant mirror to Inna’s own. Both characters are craving vengeance in different ways and come to realize it wasn’t quite what they wanted it to be.
Overall, this was satisfying extension of the world and I enjoyed getting expanded lore of on the magic and other creatures within it. This book works as a standalone, though has some references to the events and characters in Of Flame and Fury (̶M̶Y̶ ̶B̶O̶Y̶ ̶B̶E̶K̶N̶)̶ If you’re planning on reading both books, I would definitely read this one second as it spoils parts of OFAF. I was very pleased with this book and I’m eagerly waiting see what Mikayla Bridge has in store for future books.
Overall, this was satisfying extension of the world and I enjoyed getting expanded lore of on the magic and other creatures within it. This book works as a standalone, though has some references to the events and characters in Of Flame and Fury (̶M̶Y̶ ̶B̶O̶Y̶ ̶B̶E̶K̶N̶)̶ If you’re planning on reading both books, I would definitely read this one second as it spoils parts of OFAF. I was very pleased with this book and I’m eagerly waiting see what Mikayla Bridge has in store for future books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Words the weapon, timing the blade!”
Just absolute chefs kiss!
I was so happy to receive an ARC copy of ‘Of Venom and Vengeance’ by Mikayla Bridge! Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this before its release! This is a shadow-drenched fantasy where retribution fuels the fire and trust is as dangerous as any blade. The world is steeped in peril and political tension, crafted with sharp detail so that every bargain, betrayal, and whispered promise feels like it could tip the balance toward ruin!
Unyielding characters who are morally tangled, each driven by desires that make it difficult to tell savior from destroyer. It has great pacing, surging through volatile magic, high-stakes confrontations, and a smoldering thread of romance that threatens to ignite everything it touches! A magic system I haven’t seen before! A very refreshing read!
Just absolute chefs kiss!
I was so happy to receive an ARC copy of ‘Of Venom and Vengeance’ by Mikayla Bridge! Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this before its release! This is a shadow-drenched fantasy where retribution fuels the fire and trust is as dangerous as any blade. The world is steeped in peril and political tension, crafted with sharp detail so that every bargain, betrayal, and whispered promise feels like it could tip the balance toward ruin!
Unyielding characters who are morally tangled, each driven by desires that make it difficult to tell savior from destroyer. It has great pacing, surging through volatile magic, high-stakes confrontations, and a smoldering thread of romance that threatens to ignite everything it touches! A magic system I haven’t seen before! A very refreshing read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5/5
This was fun!
Something about this had an almost classic Clue sort of mystery vibe. I liked the puzzle mystery element to it (I don't know how else to explain that, but if you read/have read it, it'll make perfect sense).
I sped through this as well. That could've been because it's YA, and I find YA books to read very quickly.
Tonally, it really does read as YA. But I didn't really mind it. I was still very engaged and invested. I had a fun time with this. If you want a fantastical mystery read, I would definitely read this.
I also love the cover. There's something so satisfying about it to me. I also dig this color palette. I am very much in my green era at the moment.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This was fun!
Something about this had an almost classic Clue sort of mystery vibe. I liked the puzzle mystery element to it (I don't know how else to explain that, but if you read/have read it, it'll make perfect sense).
I sped through this as well. That could've been because it's YA, and I find YA books to read very quickly.
Tonally, it really does read as YA. But I didn't really mind it. I was still very engaged and invested. I had a fun time with this. If you want a fantastical mystery read, I would definitely read this.
I also love the cover. There's something so satisfying about it to me. I also dig this color palette. I am very much in my green era at the moment.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
April 20, 2026
I really enjoyed Of Flame and Fury, so I was excited to read more from this author—but unfortunately, this one didn’t hit the same.
This works as a standalone, with only brief mentions of the phoenix from the previous book, but the pacing felt slow and not much actually happened. I struggled to connect with the characters—Inna, in particular, didn’t fully land for me, and I didn’t feel invested in her quest for vengeance. I actually found Rylan’s motivations more compelling.
That said, the world itself had some highlights. I loved the sprites and serpents and found myself continuing mostly to explore more of that aspect of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This works as a standalone, with only brief mentions of the phoenix from the previous book, but the pacing felt slow and not much actually happened. I struggled to connect with the characters—Inna, in particular, didn’t fully land for me, and I didn’t feel invested in her quest for vengeance. I actually found Rylan’s motivations more compelling.
That said, the world itself had some highlights. I loved the sprites and serpents and found myself continuing mostly to explore more of that aspect of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hi, this book was ruinous to write, and might be my new favourite.
Set in the same world as OFAF, this can be read on its own or as a companion novel. In OVAV, we're heading to Ascira, the glamorous tourism isle, full of weather magic and pretty (and not at all deadly) sprites!
This book is for you if you love:
- Lavish, illusory magic
- Star-crossed enemies
- Dual POV
- Heists!
- Bi leads and queer side characters
- Complex family dynamics
- Riddles and puzzles
- Angry girls and yearning boys
- Many knives to many throats
- Lost gods
- A 1950s Las Vegas-inspired setting
- Criminal empires
Mik 🖤🖤🖤
Set in the same world as OFAF, this can be read on its own or as a companion novel. In OVAV, we're heading to Ascira, the glamorous tourism isle, full of weather magic and pretty (and not at all deadly) sprites!
This book is for you if you love:
- Lavish, illusory magic
- Star-crossed enemies
- Dual POV
- Heists!
- Bi leads and queer side characters
- Complex family dynamics
- Riddles and puzzles
- Angry girls and yearning boys
- Many knives to many throats
- Lost gods
- A 1950s Las Vegas-inspired setting
- Criminal empires
Mik 🖤🖤🖤
March 31, 2026
I received an Advanced Bound Galley of this book through a Goodreads give away.
Before receiving this book I hadn’t read Of Flame and Fury but I am glad I took the time to read it first. Yes, Of Venom and Vengeance is a stand alone but, seeing the little references to Flame and Fury only added to the story and aids the world building.
Venom and Vengeance quickly builds a fantasy world that you can’t help but fall into. This book contains compelling characters, a fun story, and excellent writing. Even though I am far past the age of being a young adult, I recommend this YA book. I can’t wait to read whatever Mikayla Bridge puts out next.
Before receiving this book I hadn’t read Of Flame and Fury but I am glad I took the time to read it first. Yes, Of Venom and Vengeance is a stand alone but, seeing the little references to Flame and Fury only added to the story and aids the world building.
Venom and Vengeance quickly builds a fantasy world that you can’t help but fall into. This book contains compelling characters, a fun story, and excellent writing. Even though I am far past the age of being a young adult, I recommend this YA book. I can’t wait to read whatever Mikayla Bridge puts out next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was so excited when I got approved to read this book. I loved the first book, and this allowed me to slip back into a fascinating world.
I was surprised at the mafia family feel initially, and "dealing" in sprites was such an interesting concept. The descriptions of their industry were both fascinating and a little horrifying. It was dark and sinister, while also having the visuals of color, joy, and frivolity.
I appreciated the layers of the plot throughout, and it truly had me bewildered as to who to trust. This book has it all, heists, adventures, quests, romances, deceits, betrayals, and high-stake situations. It was such an enjoyable and exciting ride. I highly recommend it.
I was surprised at the mafia family feel initially, and "dealing" in sprites was such an interesting concept. The descriptions of their industry were both fascinating and a little horrifying. It was dark and sinister, while also having the visuals of color, joy, and frivolity.
I appreciated the layers of the plot throughout, and it truly had me bewildered as to who to trust. This book has it all, heists, adventures, quests, romances, deceits, betrayals, and high-stake situations. It was such an enjoyable and exciting ride. I highly recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
So full disclosure
I thought this was book two of flame and fury, in a way it is because it’s set in the same universe but the Dane characters don’t show up again and are only vaguely referenced (only some are)
Which is 10000% my fault/mistake
I did enjoy the book but I loved flame and fury and much prefer the action/intrigue romantasy to this which was a lot more princess/power romantasy.
Thing wrong with it but I guess I love someone to have a job over someone who is a poor little rich girl
I did like the MMC though! Gonna try not to spoil anything but he had twists and turns that interested me more.
I thought this was book two of flame and fury, in a way it is because it’s set in the same universe but the Dane characters don’t show up again and are only vaguely referenced (only some are)
Which is 10000% my fault/mistake
I did enjoy the book but I loved flame and fury and much prefer the action/intrigue romantasy to this which was a lot more princess/power romantasy.
Thing wrong with it but I guess I love someone to have a job over someone who is a poor little rich girl
I did like the MMC though! Gonna try not to spoil anything but he had twists and turns that interested me more.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🖤 Of Venom and Vengeance by Mikayla Bridge is a dark, gripping fantasy that seethes with revenge, power, and forbidden desire. Bridge weaves a world filled with danger and intrigue, where every choice carries a deadly weight and every alliance can be fatal.
The characters are fierce, complex, and impossible to forget, with motivations that blur the line between hero and villain. The story’s tension is relentless, the magic and action pulse with intensity, and the romance—where it appears—is fiery and charged with stakes that could cost everything.
The characters are fierce, complex, and impossible to forget, with motivations that blur the line between hero and villain. The story’s tension is relentless, the magic and action pulse with intensity, and the romance—where it appears—is fiery and charged with stakes that could cost everything.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is so so so much better then the first! I feel like there is more depth the the story and the characters. I felt like things were easier to read and follow. I loved the ending! That was a cute one, it felt kind of like a Disney ending, tragic and them beautiful. It had me in tears! This book is more mature and thought out in my opinion. I can not wait to see when else Mikayla Bridge has in store for us. I personally would live to see a story from every place on this map. The magic in the book really grabbed my attention and made me wonder about the others as well
ARC review!
ARC review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved Of Flame and Fury and was excited to get this ARC of a standalone in the same world. I found the magic to be fascinating and mysterious enough to keep me turning the pages. It didn't feel like a slow read - but there are enough details that I didn't want to flip too fast. I appreciated the ending chapters where we see a little of the story continued, but it still ended on quite a cliffhanger and I can't wait to see what Inna gets herself into next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for this ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for this ARC.
May 4, 2026
Thank you Goodreads for the giveaway ARC *Of Venom and Vengeance* by Mikayla Bridge. The YA story is a dark fantasy that follows Inna as she searches for her sister Erika’s killer and Rylan as he seeks revenge for his parents. Set in a world of new magic systems and keeps readers guessing as reality and deception blur.
The novel stands out through its emotional depth, showing how grief drives both characters in different ways. With fast pacing and a fresh magic system, it delivers a compelling, character-focused story with a darker tone.
The novel stands out through its emotional depth, showing how grief drives both characters in different ways. With fast pacing and a fresh magic system, it delivers a compelling, character-focused story with a darker tone.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The best part of this book is easily its atmosphere. The author creates a world that is simultaneously sinister and beautiful, particularly in the descriptions of the sprite industry. It’s a dark, imaginative concept that I found myself wanting to explore further. That being said, the story itself felt a little thin. Compared to Of Flame and Fury, the pacing was slower and the emotional stakes for the protagonist, Inna, didn't quite land for me. I found myself much more interested in Rylan and the surrounding creatures than the central quest for vengeance
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This stand-alone YA Fantasy, set in the same world as Of Flame and Fury, was a good read. I didn’t like it quite as much as Of Flame and Fury (which I loved!)…the characters just didn’t hold my attention as well and the plot had slow parts. But, I would still recommend this book to fans of the author and other similar authors (Vanessa Le, Victoria Aveyard, and Sara J. Maas).
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*+*Thank you NetGalley for the ARC*+*
I haven’t finished reading Of Flame and Fury yet but regardless this standalone still managed to capture my attention. Although we could have used a bit more world building, I loved the mafia heiress x enemies to lovers tropes. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a quick fun romantasy read.
I haven’t finished reading Of Flame and Fury yet but regardless this standalone still managed to capture my attention. Although we could have used a bit more world building, I loved the mafia heiress x enemies to lovers tropes. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a quick fun romantasy read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As an adult I didn’t really enjoy this. The adventure they go on and the mystery they are trying to solve is not really exciting. A couple of times, I kept thinking, ok, this is where it picks up- but I was let down. The story just couldn’t hold my attention and I ended up skimming through several chapters. Definitely a YA read. 2.5 rounded up to 3.
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